How persistent are you? In Sunday's readings we see how it is OK to be persistent with God. We see Abraham’s persistence where he not only talks to God, he challenges him to show how just he is, but he also goes further and bargains with God for the lives of others. God listens and responds. God is a God of justice but, over and above all things, He desires to save us from ourselves and the consequences of our own weakness and sin. Just as we desire to help those we know and love.

In Sunday's Gospel the disciples struggle with knowing how to approach God, how to communicate with him. There were daily sacrifices in the temple in Jerusalem but the disciples sensed a need to approach God "one to one", to pray. There are two versions of the Our Father in the Gospels, the other slightly longer version is found in Matthew’s gospel. Its beauty is that it can be said individually or collectively. Jesus says to his disciples and us, “Say this when you pray” in other words he intends the prayer to be used.

Our Father – Abba – in Aramaic is the form of address of a child to their Father, an approach of trust and intimacy. There are 7 petitions or requests in the prayer. If you pray it slowly you will see how it sets out our relationship with our loving father, but also speaks of what we need whilst we are in the world, including the deliverance from evil.

In essence Jesus tells us that prayer is never unheard or unheeded by our Heavenly Father, it is always answered in some way, though there will be times when God’s reply is not obvious at the time. This has been true for me and I suspect that is the same for you too.

So be persistent in prayer. As well as your day to day needs, ask God to come to you. By your baptism you already share the life of God though the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Ultimately God will stretch out His hand and save you. His love for you is eternal.

As always please be assured of my daily prayers for your needs and intentions.

Fr Chris